Harry Redknapp quits as manager of Queens Park Rangers
Harry Redknapp resigned as manager of English Premier League strugglers Queens Park Rangers on Tuesday, saying his impending knee surgery would otherwise dent the club’s battle to stay in the English top flight.
However, his announcement came just a day after QPR chairman Tony Fernandes tweeted there would be “no more chequebook” at the relegation-threatened west London club as the January transfer window closed Monday.
Veteran English manager, Redknapp, 67, had repeatedly said he had the full support of Malaysian businessman Fernandes, the founder of the AirAsia budget airline, amid reports his position was in jeopardy with QPR currently second-bottom in the table.
If I can’t give 100 per cent I feel it’s better for someone else to take over the reins
Head of football operations Les Ferdinand, the former QPR striker, has taken temporary charge ahead of this Saturday’s league match at home to Southampton as Fernandes seeks a permanent replacement for Redknapp.
“Sadly, I need immediate surgery on my knee which is going to stop me from doing my job in the coming weeks,” said Redknapp, who arrived at Loftus Road in November 2012.
“It means I won’t be able to be out on the training pitch every day, and if I can’t give 100 per cent I feel it’s better for someone else to take over the reins.
Fernandes appeared to call a halt on Monday’s final day of the January window when he tweeted: “No more chequebook. We have good players. Bought all the players manager asked for in summer. Our players not mercenaries. Good guys.”